NYC, It’s time to say goodbye

Hi Players,

The Great Empire State Building.

This was the view from my kitchen window I woke up to and went to bed with every day for the last five years. (well, except when I was traveling all over the place…)

Every night, the Empire State lights up with a different color.

On any regular day, it has white lights, and if there is a special occasion or event  like a national holiday, it has various lights that represent the event’s spirit.

Usually, the lights are still, but on special days, they flicker joyfully.

In this specific picture was the night of the pride parade, and the Empire’s lights were flickering with the colors of pride—an incredible sight.

The Empire’s lights became the symbol of my life in NYC. Sometimes, it was just a regular white day; sometimes, it was colorful, playful, and exciting.;

When I came to NYC, I knew I would not live here forever, and my time here was limited to only a few years.

This fact entirely changed the way I decided to lead my life here.

As this excellent chapter of my life ends, I knowlike this is how life should be lived.

After all, we are given a limited time to walk on this earth; the only difference is that we don’t know how much time we have.

I used to live as if I had all the time in the world—a terrible waste of precious time. Now, I know better.

Living in NYC taught me a lesson—a lesson for life.

In fact,it taught me many lessons, but I would like to share with you the three things that had the biggest influence on me and made my life so much better. 

NYC can surprise you on any day. Here is an example for one playful day

Experience as many new things as possible

My life in NYC always had a sense of urgency. The city and its surroundings have so much to offer.

Being a curious person, I tried as many things as I could. It was a one-time opportunity.

In the past, I fell into the old trap of ”I am too busy; I will do it someday when I have time, when I have the money, when ..”.

Well, you know the drill,” someday” was pushed time after time by other “should haves” or “must haves,” which seemed never to end.

Fortunately, the scarcity of time in NY changed my priorities.

When time is limited, which is always the fact, I believe that only three basic rules should apply for better living :

• What matters to me?

• what do I love?

• What do I need?

Changing old habits is hard.

Although I thought I didn’t have time, in fact, I had enough.

The problem was that my time was filled with the “wrong” things.

I am sure everyone has enough time if one is focused on those three essential elements. 

It’s a choice you must make if it matters to you.

Since I changed my priorities and habits, my schedule will never be the same. Yet, it is only the beginning. The challenge is to keep them intact. It’s a practice.

One has to fight to make time for the “right” things. Life has a tendency to push us toward old habits (they are easier…).

Central Parc in the, winter is a magical kingdom

Daring as a way of living

When you live in a big city like NYC, away from home, the probability of meeting someone from your inner circle of family or friends is very low.

This feeling of freedom to do whatever you like without any fear of judgment is liberating. (yes, it took some time even to recognize there was a fear..).

I dared to do things I would never do if I were still living in Israel in my “small community”.

I understand now that this fear robbed my true happiness. I avoided some of the things that I enjoyed the most.

I realized that those who love me and care for me will be there for me no matter what.

Those who judge me are probably no longer welcome in my circle, and maybe it is time to let them go their way, as far away from me as possible.

As Dr. Seuss wisely said,  “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t  matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

Thanks to this new freedom, I have crossed a few important things off my “bucket list.” I have learned that my dreams matter, and I have learned who my true friends are.

Surround yourself with the people who dare, 

who cheer for you, who are not afraid that your success will make them feel smaller.

It’s not about winning or failing, It’s about living your fullest potential.

Spring and the smell is incredible. Go out and smell the ‘roses’

Make new connections and relationships.

I am usually a shy person. I have a few best friends who have been in my life for many years.

When I came to NYC, I left all my social circle in Israel. It was hard.

Although I always had the loving company of my close family, I longed for a “woman circle” type of friendship that I had back at home.

At first, there was only one lady in the gym. T

hen I joined a class and it was more than one. Then i took another class in the city and met more and more.

The beauty in the city is that you can meet so many different people who vary in age, language, religion, and background but who are all united by their humanity and common interest.

My life is so much richer than it was before I met all these wonderful people.

I do hope to stay in touch with them when I leave.

Either way, I learned that making new connections (without neglecting the current important relationship I already have) can expand my life experience in so many ways.

Every interaction with strangers is an opportunity for learning and growth.

If you are open to new connections, your horizons will expand way more than just staying within the comfort of your familiar environment.

Strangers become friends.

You will discover that there is more that unites us than what separates us.

The simple lesson is ,the richer your connections, the richer your life. I feel so blessed to have met all the wonderful people.

Brooklyn bridge walk is a favorite

In the last few weeks I was often asked if it’s difficult for me to leave NYC and will I miss it.

The answer to both questions is, of course, yes, it’s not easy, but it’s not a bad thing.

It’s natural. It is always challenging when you have to end something good. 

Yet, it is essential to make room for new adventures. (we can’t fill a full cup…)

Leaving NYC doesn’t mean the end of the connections I made. If they are strong enough, physical distance is not an obstacle.

Remember that, like the sunset, the ending is beautiful, too.

actual

I will always have great memories, and I can always catch a plane and visit or have a Zoom chat with a friend.

“Don’t cry because it’s over; smile  because it happened.” Dr. Seuss.

I have a big smile on my face now.

Goodbye, dear NYC, you were good to me. Thank you for letting me play with you.

I am so grateful for the experience .

I will always consider you as my second home.

Goodbye, until we meet again…

Playfully yours,

Rina 🙂